Systems, methods and devices for adaptive steering control of automotive vehicles

Abstract

A variety of methods, systems, devices and arrangements are implemented for automated assistance for a driver. One such method relates to a synergistic combination of automation and human control for a motor vehicle traveling on a lane, thereby allowing human-based decisions to be supplement (or be supplemented by) automated decisions. Specific aspects facilitate maintenance of the vehicle on the lane. The vehicle is automatically steered towards a lateral offset within the vehicle lane. Steering input from the driver results in changes to this lateral offset. This modification of the lateral offset can be used to allow the driver to follow any trajectory parallel to the road, including trajectories where the vehicle is not centered within the lane.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001]The present invention relates to hardware designs and software algorithms that facilitate assistive steering for automotive vehicles.BACKGROUND [0002]Interest in assistive and autonomous techniques for passenger vehicles is increasing rapidly; the benefits of partial autonomy are both numerous and profound. In a traditional automotive vehicle, when steering an automobile, a driver has to continuously adjust the steering direction. Some of those adjustments implement discrete choices, such as the choice to change lanes on a highway, or the choice to turn at an intersection. Other adjustments arise from the curvature of the road, or from the vehicle dynamics. For example, on a curved road a driver would drive off the road without adjustment of the steering wheel. Thus, even when staying on the same lane, drivers have to constantly change the angle of the steering wheel to stay in their lane. The constant need to adjust the steering direction causes a burde...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]In another embodiment of the present invention, the system allows the driver to use the steering wheel to change lateral offsets by occasionally nudging the vehicle back to the desired lateral offset. In this manner, the steering from the driver, even on curvy roads, can be facilitated. For example, the driver maintains control over the vehicle despite needing to perform substantially less steering activity than is required in a normal

Problems solved by technology

The constant need to adjust the steering direction causes a burden on drivers often resulting in fatigue.

Failure to provide this constant adjustment results in unintended lane departures, which is one of the primary causes of accidents on highways.

Active steering assistance systems that automatically adjust the steering angle to follow the road can make it difficult for the driver to correct the veh

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